Giants lose Game 1 to Reds, 5-2

Updated 9:56 am, Sunday, October 7, 2012

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

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Giants pitcher Matt Cain after giving up a two run home run to the Reds Brandon Phillips in the third inning, as the San Francisco Giants take on the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Divisional Series at AT&T Park San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday October 6, 2012. less

Giants pitcher Matt Cain after giving up a two run home run to the Reds Brandon Phillips in the third inning, as the San Francisco Giants take on the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League ... more

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

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Giants first baseman Brandon Belt falls over the rail and into the crowd as he catches a pop fly ball hit by Reds' Zack Cozart, for an out in the first inningas the San Francisco GIants take on the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Divisional Series at AT&T Park San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday October 6, 2012.

Giants first baseman Brandon Belt falls over the rail and into the crowd as he catches a pop fly ball hit by Reds' Zack Cozart, for an out in the first inningas the San Francisco GIants take on the Cincinnati

Giants fans cheer on their team waving rally towels, as the San Francisco GIants take on the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Divisional Series at AT&T Park San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday October 6, 2012.

Team managers Dusty Baker for the Reds and Bruce BOchy for the Giants greet each other before the start of the game, as the San Francisco GIants take on the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Divisional Series at AT&T Park San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday October 6, 2012.

Team managers Dusty Baker for the Reds and Bruce BOchy for the Giants greet each other before the start of the game, as the San Francisco GIants take on the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League

Buster Posey comes home after his solo home run in the 6th inning. The San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Division Series Saturday October 6, 2012 at AT&T park.

Buster Posey comes home after his solo home run in the 6th inning. The San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Division Series Saturday October 6, 2012 at AT&T park.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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Giants pitcher Matt Cain gives up a solo home run to the Reds' Ryan Ludwick in the fourth inning, as the San Francisco Giants take on the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Divisional Series at AT&T Park San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday October 6, 2012.

Giants pitcher Matt Cain gives up a solo home run to the Reds' Ryan Ludwick in the fourth inning, as the San Francisco Giants take on the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Divisional Series at

Joaquin Arias slides in safe before the tag by Aroldis Chapman after Chapman threw a wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth. The San Francisco Giants played the Cincinnati Reds at AT&T Park in San Francisco, Calif., in Game 1 of the National League Division Series.

Joaquin Arias slides in safe before the tag by Aroldis Chapman after Chapman threw a wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth. The San Francisco Giants played the Cincinnati Reds at AT&T Park in San Francisco,

Giants' Buster Posey returns to the dugout after his solo home run in the sixth inning, as the San Francisco Giants take on the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Divisional Series at AT&T Park San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday October 6, 2012.

Giants' Buster Posey returns to the dugout after his solo home run in the sixth inning, as the San Francisco Giants take on the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Divisional Series at AT&T

Johnny Cueto left the mound in the first inning after an apparent injury. The San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Division Series Saturday October 6, 2012 at AT&T park.

Johnny Cueto left the mound in the first inning after an apparent injury. The San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Division Series Saturday October 6, 2012 at AT&T

Alex Smith, 49ers quarterback throws out the first pitch. The San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Division Series Saturday October 6, 2012 at AT&T park.

Alex Smith, 49ers quarterback throws out the first pitch. The San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Division Series Saturday October 6, 2012 at AT&T park.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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Reds manager Dusty Baker looked concerned as he walked from the mound after losing his starting pitcher. The San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Division Series Saturday October 6, 2012 at AT&T park.

Reds manager Dusty Baker looked concerned as he walked from the mound after losing his starting pitcher. The San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Division Series

Giants pitcher Matt Cain after giving up a two run home run to the Reds Brandon Phillips in the third inning, as the San Francisco Giants take on the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Divisional Series at AT&T Park San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday October 6, 2012.

Reds' Brandon Philips rounds the bases after a two run home run in the third inning, as the San Francisco Giants take on the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Divisional Series at AT&T Park San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday October 6, 2012.

Reds' Brandon Philips rounds the bases after a two run home run in the third inning, as the San Francisco Giants take on the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Divisional Series at AT&T Park

Giants' Buster Posey strikes out in the second inning, as the San Francisco Giants take on the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Divisional Series at AT&T Park San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday October 6, 2012.

Giants' Buster Posey strikes out in the second inning, as the San Francisco Giants take on the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Divisional Series at AT&T Park San Francisco, Calif., on

Johnny Cueto is reacts after he was injured in the first inning. Cueto left the game in the first. The San Francisco Giants played the Cincinnati Reds at AT&T Park in San Francisco, Calif., in Game 1 of the National League Division Series.

Johnny Cueto is reacts after he was injured in the first inning. Cueto left the game in the first. The San Francisco Giants played the Cincinnati Reds at AT&T Park in San Francisco, Calif., in Game 1 of

49ers quarterback, Alex Smith set to throw out the first pitch, as the San Francisco GIants take on the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Divisional Series at AT&T Park San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday October 6, 2012.

Tim Lincecum looked over at the Reds after being introduced. The San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Division Series Saturday October 6, 2012 at AT&T park.

Tim Lincecum looked over at the Reds after being introduced. The San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Division Series Saturday October 6, 2012 at AT&T park.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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Gregor Blanco watched a two run homer from Brandon Phillips in the third inning. The San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Division Series Saturday October 6, 2012 at AT&T park.

Gregor Blanco watched a two run homer from Brandon Phillips in the third inning. The San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Division Series Saturday October 6, 2012 at

Giants starting pitcher Matt Cain in the first inning. The San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Division Series Saturday October 6, 2012 at AT&T park.

Giants starting pitcher Matt Cain in the first inning. The San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Division Series Saturday October 6, 2012 at AT&T park.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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Johnny Cueto is checked out by team trainers and manager Dusty Baker after he was injured in the first inning. The San Francisco Giants played the Cincinnati Reds at AT&T Park in San Francisco, Calif., in Game 1 of the National League Division Series.

Johnny Cueto is checked out by team trainers and manager Dusty Baker after he was injured in the first inning. The San Francisco Giants played the Cincinnati Reds at AT&T Park in San Francisco, Calif., in

Fans greeted Buster Posey after his solo home run in the 6th inning. The San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Division Series Saturday October 6, 2012 at AT&T park.

Fans greeted Buster Posey after his solo home run in the 6th inning. The San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Division Series Saturday October 6, 2012 at AT&T

Marco Scutaro misses a tag on Brandon Phillips late in the game. The San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Division Series Saturday October 6, 2012 at AT&T park.

Marco Scutaro misses a tag on Brandon Phillips late in the game. The San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Division Series Saturday October 6, 2012 at AT&T park.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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Ryan Hanigan (left) congratulated closer Aroldis Chapman after a tense 9th inning. The San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Division Series Saturday October 6, 2012 at AT&T park.

Ryan Hanigan (left) congratulated closer Aroldis Chapman after a tense 9th inning. The San Francisco Giants and the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Division Series Saturday October 6, 2012 at

The Giants infielders Brandon Crawford, Marco Scutaro, Brandon Belt and Pablo Sandoval gather during a pitching change in the eighth inning, as the San Francisco Giants went on to lose to the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Divisional Series at AT&T Park San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday October 6, 2012.

The Giants infielders Brandon Crawford, Marco Scutaro, Brandon Belt and Pablo Sandoval gather during a pitching change in the eighth inning, as the San Francisco Giants went on to lose to the Cincinnati Reds in

Giants Gegor Blanco walks from the plate after called strike three looking to end the eighth innning with two runners on, as the San Francisco Giants went on to lose to the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Divisional Series at AT&T Park San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday October 6, 2012.

Giants Gegor Blanco walks from the plate after called strike three looking to end the eighth innning with two runners on, as the San Francisco Giants went on to lose to the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the

Giants PItcher George Kontos throws in the seventh inning, as the San Francisco Giants take on the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Divisional Series at AT&T Park San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday October 6, 2012.

Giants PItcher George Kontos throws in the seventh inning, as the San Francisco Giants take on the Cincinnati Reds in game one of the National League Divisional Series at AT&T Park San Francisco, Calif.,

Giants right fielder Hunter Pence, can't get to a hit by the Reds Xavier Paul in the ninth inning, as the San Francisco Giants went on to lose the Cincinnati Reds 5-2 in game one of the National League Divisional Series at AT&T Park San Francisco, Calif., on Saturday October 6, 2012.

Giants right fielder Hunter Pence, can't get to a hit by the Reds Xavier Paul in the ninth inning, as the San Francisco Giants went on to lose the Cincinnati Reds 5-2 in game one of the National League

The Reds gather to celebrate on the infield after they defeated the Giants 5-2. The San Francisco Giants played the Cincinnati Reds at AT&T Park in San Francisco, Calif., in Game 1 of the National League Division Series.

The Reds gather to celebrate on the infield after they defeated the Giants 5-2. The San Francisco Giants played the Cincinnati Reds at AT&T Park in San Francisco, Calif., in Game 1 of the National League

Tim Lincecum (left), Buster Posey and others watch the ninth inning unfold from the Giants' dugout. Posey later struck out to end Game 1 of the Division Series against the Cincinnati Reds.

Tim Lincecum (left), Buster Posey and others watch the ninth inning unfold from the Giants' dugout. Posey later struck out to end Game 1 of the Division Series against the Cincinnati Reds.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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Giants right fielder Hunter Pence (right) can't get to a ninth-inning hit by the Reds' Xavier Paul, leaving the ball to Angel Pagan.

Giants right fielder Hunter Pence (right) can't get to a ninth-inning hit by the Reds' Xavier Paul, leaving the ball to Angel Pagan.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

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Giants starter Matt Cain gets a visit from pitching coach Dave Righetti and catcher Buster Posey in the third inning.

Giants starter Matt Cain gets a visit from pitching coach Dave Righetti and catcher Buster Posey in the third inning.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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Giants lose Game 1 to Reds, 5-2

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The 2010 postseason started with something magical when Tim Lincecum struck out 14 in a shutout of Atlanta at AT&T Park. There was magic inside for the 2012 postseason opener as well. You just had to be wearing red to enjoy it.

Cincinnati beat the Giants and Matt Cain 5-2 Saturday night after overcoming the kind of blow that can cripple a team when starter Johnny Cueto had to leave eight pitches into the first inning with back spasms.

The Giants got a huge break, not having to face the third-place finisher in the National League ERA race and forcing the Reds to scramble for 26 outs.

Rather than scramble, four Cincinnati pitchers suffocated the Giants for 8 2/3 innings and brought the Reds their first postseason win since 1995.

Longtime Giants nemesis Mat Latos, who had been scheduled to start Game 3 in Cincinnati, took the ball on three days' rest. Pitching in relief for the first time since Class A ball in 2009, he held San Francisco to a Buster Posey solo homer in four innings.

The Reds' three-headed bullpen monster - Sean Marshall, Jonathan Broxton and Aroldis Chapman - finished the job, though the Giants scored on a passed ball before Chapman struck out Posey on a high fastball to end it.

Any real shot of a comeback against Chapman died when Santiago Casilla allowed two runs in the ninth, one on a Posey passed ball.

The Giants now face a hard climb after dropping Game 1, which they did not do in their three 2010 postseason series. They need to win three of the final four games, at least two in Cincinnati.

Cain allowed his first earned runs in the postseason after pitching 21 1/3 innings without allowing one in 2010, and he lost to the Reds for the third time this year - half of his six defeats.

Home runs were a story in the two regular-season games, and they were again Saturday. Brandon Phillips hit one with a runner aboard in the third inning, and Jay Bruce lined a solo shot in the fourth.

The Phillips homer was the game's biggest swing and ate at Cain because he hung a curveball.

"That's something you don't want to have in a big-game situation," Cain said. "Hanging breaking balls, they always hurt a little more in a postseason game."

Cain was lifted for a pinch-hitter and sat stone-faced in the dugout as Aubrey Huff flied out in his place.

That Cain lasted only five innings and 75 pitches boosts the likelihood that he would pitch Game 4 in Cincinnati on short rest if the Giants face elimination.

If the Giants lose the series, Game 1 will be remembered as the night the Giants let a big gift get away at the outset.

Cueto struck out Angel Pagan with an inside fastball to start his game and got ahead of Marco Scutaro 0-1 when he threw another strike and immediately walked off the mound wincing. He took a few steps toward first base and looked into the sky, knowing he was done.

Hunter Pence said the change of pitcher was "a little bit of a curveball" but insisted Giants hitters did not assume they were in for a cakewalk.

"You know it's going to be a grind," he said. "They've got great pitching. They've got a good bullpen."

Gregor Blanco said the quick change of pitchers befuddled the hitters momentarily, but ultimately the Giants were doomed by pitching just as good. With the Giants down 3-1 in the eighth, Jonathan Broxton threw a good 3-2 fastball that froze Blanco for a strikeout that stranded the potential tying runs.

The Giants and their fans were mortuary silent until the middle of the sixth inning, when the stadium DJ played the Korean rap song "Gangnam Style."

The crowd was still howling when Posey stepped in and hit Latos' first pitch into the left-field seats, cutting the Reds' lead to 3-1. Pence momentarily had the crowd thinking back-to-back, but his high drive to center was caught at the track.

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